Bible Commentaries

In contrast with Mount Seir the prophet placed the mountains of Israel, as he delivered the word of the Lord to them. They had been the scorn of their enemies, who had made them desolate and swallowed them up. Therefore Jehovah would proceed against these enemies, and deliver Israel from their oppression. As a result of such deliverance, the whole land, its mountains and its hills, its water courses and its valleys would be made abundantly fruitful. Men would be multiplied, the cities inhabited, and the waste places built.

In the midst of this promise of deliverance comes a great revelation of the secret of all: "Behold, I am for you." The prophet was then charged to explain this prediction of ultimate restoration by first affirming that their own sin caused their suffering.

Then anew and with greater clearness, he declared the reason for their restoration. Jehovah had pity for His holy name, and both by reprobation and restoration moved toward the sanctification of His name among the nations.

The prophet then declared the method of their restoration. Gathered by God out of all countries, the people would be cleansed inwardly and spiritually, and be enabled to do right by being brought into a new fellowship with the Spirit of God.

The results of the restoration would be their repentance and the return of all that prosperity which through sin they had forfeited, and, consequently, a renewal of their witness to the nations round about of truth concerning Jehovah.